Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil Reboot: First Set Photos Reveal Raccoon City

by

First looks at the set of Zach Cregger’s new Resident Evil movie are now available, revealing that Prague has been transformed into a snowy Raccoon City for filming. Photos shared by ROEnetwork and online show us what to expect from Cregger’s version of the story, which appears to be a realistic and faithful adaptation of the original games.

Prague Streets Turn Into Raccoon City

The pictures depict a scene with fake snow on cars and sidewalks, a damaged car blocked off with tape, and a diner decorated with American flags and signs. A sheriff’s vehicle from Martin County parked under a bridge completes the distinctly American, midwestern atmosphere familiar to players of the game.

A particularly striking image features a detailed map of Raccoon City displayed at a bus stop. The map shows the city as a thriving, bustling place, proving this part of the story happens well before the city is destroyed.

What the Timeline Suggests

The snow and the undamaged city suggest the story happens several months before the 1998 outbreak. The original games are set during the summer and fall of that year, with the disaster in Raccoon City taking place from September 29th to October 1st.

Based on the current schedule—and everything suggests it’s being followed—the movie probably happens in early 1998, or perhaps a little before that. This would mean the city is still functioning as usual and the outbreak hasn’t started yet.

Cregger Confirms His Movie Exists Within Game Canon

In a recent interview with Fangoria, director Johannes Roberts explained that his Resident Evil film is set within the established game universe and runs concurrently with the story of Resident Evil 2.

But he’s not adapting that game, nor is he using any of its characters.

His explanation:

  • The film tells an original story with original characters
  • The events unfold within the same timeline and lore
  • The movie follows a separate path that could happen “right over there” while the game’s heroes deal with their own story

Cregger explained he’s aiming to recreate the intense fear players experience in the games—that heart-stopping moment when you’re low on health and know something terrifying is lurking nearby.

A Fresh Approach After Years of Failed Adaptations

Instead of changing the established story or reinventing well-known characters, Cregger is creating a fresh narrative within the existing Resident Evil world—something fans have wanted ever since the game Resident Evil Outbreak.

If this movie is successful, it creates opportunities for more films starring characters like Chris, Jill, Leon, and Claire, without worrying about contradicting established story details.

What We Know So Far

  • Filming is underway in Prague
  • The city is doubling as pre-outbreak Raccoon City
  • Artificial snow suggests an early-year timeline
  • Cregger confirms the story exists in the same canon as the games
  • No game characters will appear, but the world and rules remain intact
  • The film hits theaters September 18, 2026

More set photos and casting news are expected soon as production ramps up.

Read More

2025-11-06 19:33